The study, Out on the Fields, was initiated by organisers of Bingham Cup Sydney 2014, the world cup of gay rugby, in consultation with the Sydney Convicts Rugby Club and the International Gay Rugby Association and Board.

To be conducted by sports researchers Repucom and reviewed by academics from universities across the globe, the survey will look at a wide variety of areas, including how often athletes witness or experience homophobic slurs, jokes and bullying while playing sport.

Ashley-Cooper, who is also a model for underwear brand Jockey, backed the study, saying: “[It’s] a good idea… to quantify the amount of slurs in sport today in regards to homophobia in world and Australian sport.”

Adam Ashley-Cooper (centre) with members of Sydney Convicts at the launch of Out in the Field (Photo: Benedict Brook; Star Observer)

While not personally seeing a high amount of homophobia on the pitch, Ashley-Cooper said “there is a lot it happening out there so it’ll be interesting to see what the [study] results are”.

“More than anything the results of the survey will make blokes like me more aware of what not to say when you’re involved with a game,” he added.